The office is calling – but do you have to answer?
Big corporations are tightening their grip, demanding employees return to their desks – whether they like it or not. But for many, the thought of commuting five days a week, squeezing into packed trains, and navigating office politics is enough to make them seriously consider their options. Is there another way?
The debate over remote work versus office life is back in full force. It’s the topic that just won’t go away, sparking discussions in boardrooms, social media, and over drinks at the pub.
Big corporations are tightening their grip, demanding employees return to their desks – whether they like it or not. But for many, the thought of commuting five days a week, squeezing into packed trains, and navigating office politics is enough to make them seriously consider their options.
So, what if there was another way? What if you could work on your own terms, choose your clients, and create a career that actually fits your lifestyle? Well, you can. And self-employment might just be the answer.
The push for a return to the office (and why it’s not for everyone)
Recently, we’ve seen a wave of major companies rolling back their remote work policies. JPMorgan, for instance, has ordered its 14,000 London-based employees back to the office full-time, despite not having enough desks to accommodate them all. Elsewhere, companies are monitoring badge swipes and attendance records, eager to get employees back into their cubicles.
But here’s the not-so-surprising twist: workers aren’t thrilled about it. A recent survey found that two-thirds of workers would quit over full-time office policies. It’s clear that people have had a taste of flexibility, and they’re not willing to give it up so easily. If anything, this debate is making more professionals ask: “Do I really want to be tied to a 9-to-5 schedule that someone else controls?”
The freedom of self-employment
If you’ve ever dreamed of calling the shots in your own career, now might be the perfect time to make that dream a reality. Self-employment gives you the freedom to choose when and where you work, how you work, who you work for, and what you work on.
Night owl? Early riser? You decide when you operate best. And whether you feel most productive in a home office, co-working space or a beachside café, that choice is yours as well.
Our members always cite the ability to choose their clients and projects as a huge benefit of being self-employed. When asked why she switched to freelancing, IPSE member Susie Mullen said “It was to control the actual work I’m doing. I absolutely love my job. It’s the best thing I ever did; it gives me so much freedom, and I’m free to choose the work I do. What I really, really enjoy is saying ‘I want to take that project on, it interests me and excites me’. And then the other side is that I get to choose the people that I work with as well.”
Of course, going solo comes with its challenges – managing finances, finding clients, and keeping yourself motivated. But the good news is you don’t have to do it alone.
How to make the leap without the guesswork
If the idea of self-employment excites you but feels a little daunting, there are ways to ease into it with confidence. You can find lots of support online, as well as dedicated Incubators and Accelerators that help you turn your idea into a fully-fledged business through mentors and resources.
Our Incubator programme is among them and is designed to help you start your business in just 30 days, offering expert guidance, practical advice (instead of endless theory), and a clear roadmap to set you up for success.
Think of it as your personal toolkit for becoming your own boss – without the trial-and-error that often comes with starting out alone. Whether you’re looking to freelance, launch a consultancy, or turn a side-hustle into a full-time career, the Incubator programme gives you the support and know-how to make it happen.
Is now the right time to go self-employed?
With companies pushing harder than ever for office returns, more professionals are questioning whether the traditional career path is right for them. If flexibility and control over your own work-life balance sound appealing, self-employment might just be the alternative you’ve been looking for.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what life could look like beyond the office walls, now’s the time to explore it. With resources like the IPSE Incubator programme, you’re not leaping into the unknown - you’re taking a well-supported step towards a career on your own terms.
How to start a business in 30 days
IPSE Incubator
If 2025 is your year to embrace the financial freedom and autonomy of self-employment, IPSE’s Incubator is your ultimate guide. In just 30 days, we’ll give you all the answers you need to launch your business or side hustle quickly, and with confidence.
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